AH-1 Cobra
| AH-1 Cobra | ||
|---|---|---|
 AH-1 Cobra of the U.S. Marines | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Attack helicopter | |
| Crew | 2 (pilot, gunner) | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 44 ft 7 in | 13.6 m |
| Width | 3.3 ft | 1 m |
| Height | 13 ft 5 in (S model) | 4.1 m |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 6,598 lb (S) | 2,993 kg |
| Loaded | ||
| Maximum take-off | 10,000 lb (S) | 4,535 kg |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | 1 Avco Lycoming T53-L-703 turboshaft (S) | |
| Power | 1,800 shp (S) | |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 141 mph (S) | 195 km/h |
| Combat range | 315 mi (S) | 507 km |
| Ferry range | ||
| Service ceiling | 12,200 ft (S) | 3,720 m |
| Rate of climb | 1,620 ft/min (S) | 494 m/min |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | M197 3-barrel 2 mm Gatling gun in nose turret | |
| Missiles | 8 Hughes BGM-71 TOW antitank missiles or 4 Hydra 70 (7- or 19-tube) 2.75-in rocket pods or M181E minigun pods | |
The AH-1 Cobra was a US Army attack helicopter, which was replaced by the AH-64 Apache.
The Cobras are cheaper than the Apache and therefore can be used in masses. Their main usage is against armored targets. The Cobra's narrow front gives it a defensive advantage making it a harder target to acquire.
The AH-1 Cobras had some use towards the end of the Vietnam War, but were not used extensively. During the 1983 invasion of Grenada, the HueyCobra supported Marine operations on the island.
During Operation Desert Storm, the Cobras and SeaCobras deployed in a support role. Approximately 78 Marine Cobras flew 1,273 sorties with no combat losses and only one noncombat loss.
Operations
Combat Experience
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